Cards & Cheer, R. Nichols Says Holidays are Here

Sure, sure.  One holiday at a time.  But if this really were the case, your cards would get there late and you’d be scrambling for gifts even after the New Year. (Happens regardless? Well, read on.)  This year, you can at least get your greetings on time.  And if that’s a first, well, this collection is, too!

Wednesday evening, 6-8 PM, Nick Hanzlik, the artist behind celeb-loved stationery company R. Nichols (we hear Tyra and Sheryl Crow are faithful fans), launches his first-ever collection of DC-themed holiday cards at Neiman Marcus in Chevy Chase.  The Sidwell Friends alum – who has since graduated to L.A. – will be signing limited-edition prints of his cards for one night only (but you can still buy ’em after at NM or in Bethesda at Ginger).

“I couldn’t be more excited about my trip to Washington and appearance at Neimans,” says Hanzlik, whose cards are infinitely cuter than the typical DC-monument-in-the-snow scene.   “I grew up there, and haven’t been back in awhile, so this collection – and that city – are really special to me.”

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So what else does “St.” Nick have to say about the holidays?


KSK: Which of the national monuments/DC landmarks do you think should be Santa’s favorite to visit?
RN: I’d have to say the Washington Monument.  Tactically, I just think the frozen reflecting pool would make such a perfect little runway for the sleigh.

KSK: Does DC strike you more as the “Happy Holidays,” “Merry Christmas,” or “Season’s Greetings” kind?
RN: All of the above.   They should all be shouted all the time .  You can never have enough holiday cheer.

KSK: Do you advocate for real trees or artificial ones?  What’s your favorite/iconic Christmas tree?
RN: This is a tough one and my position has changed over the years.  Today I would say artificial – HOWEVER – should you come upon a Christmas tree lot after December 22nd – PLEASE give one (or several) of those pitiful, passed over and forgotten trees a home.  I swear I can hear them softly sobbing and calling to me when I drive by – it’s almost worse than a trip to the pound…
Growing up we used to go to The White House every year for a Christmas party (my Dad worked in several administrations), and the tree in the Blue Room was always my fave.

KSK: Are you a strictly white lights guy, or do colored lights get some Hanzlik love?
RN: I think colored lights reek of the 70’s (they’re in all of our family Christmas photos).  But that’s not a bad thing.  I’ve been using white lights for years (they work with my very edited designer aesthetic) but I do have a penchant for that era so it just might be time to switch (I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the elaborate layered parfaits my Mom used to labor over to serve at her DC dinner parties growing up – I’d like to revisit those too).

KSK: Who should be #1 on your list of holiday cards to send?
RN: Anyone you are upset with, mad at, or holding a grudge against.  I believe in sugar, not vinegar.